Gripping Device For An Article Of Clothing

ABSTRACT

A gripping device coupled to an article of clothing. The gripping device can be coupled to the article of clothing by an extension leash operatively coupled between the gripping device and the article of clothing. In some implementations, the extension leash is in sliding engagement with the article of clothing and configured to allow the gripping device to be extended and retracted from the article of clothing. The disclosed apparatus can be configured to transition the gripping device from a non-use, stored, or stowed position to an extended position capable of being used by a wearer or user to increase the gripping effectiveness, strength or protection of the user.

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

The disclosure relates to the field of clothing articles. More specifically, the disclosure relates to an article of clothing including a gripping device to provide the wearer assistance when gripping objects.

BACKGROUND

Various accessories have been developed that can be worn by a user or wearer in order to assist the wearer in gripping various objects or items. Gloves are a well known accessory often worn by a user or wearer to serve various applications. Insulated gloves are an example of a glove or pad that can be worn or used by a wearer to handle objects which are at an elevated temperature. Typically these gloves are separate items a user must put on before handling hot objects. Often there is difficulty created by the fact that the insulated gloves are separate from clothing articles worn by a user. For instance, in a kitchen environment a user may be wearing an article of clothing, for example an apron, while cooking or preparing food. In such an exemplary situation, the user may also require the use of an insulted glove or other device required for gripping an object or objects. One problem presented by the assistive glove being separate from an article of clothing is that they may often result in needing to locate the assistive glove prior to using it to handle objects.

It has been known to provide a removable attachment scheme to allow the collocation of an apron and an assistive glove such as a hot pad or insulated glove. U.S. Pat. No. 3,428,962 to Sliinovitz describes a combined Barbeque Apron and Mittens. One problem with this type of system is that although the barbeque apron and mittens can be collocated, this can only be the case when the wearer or user is not actively using the mittens. In order to use the mittens, the wearer still must remove the mittens from the apron prior to actual use. This results in the potential of the mittens becoming misplaced or in a disadvantageous location when the wearer of the apron requires the use of the mittens again. Another disadvantage is that while the mittens are attached to the apron when not being used, they are subject to the possibility of being dislodged from the apron by accident.

Other solutions have been contemplated on removable attachment of the potholders to a protective article of clothing. One such example is U.S. Pat. No. 7,114,190 to Najarian et. al. Again this configuration presents a similar problem in that the potholders are only usable as an assistive glove or pad when removed from the protective clothing article.

Another example of an accessory for providing gripping assistance to the wearer of a clothing article is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,322,050 to Heatherly. This example discloses a wearable gripping device integrated into the shirt tail of a wearer. One disadvantage of this configuration is that the integration of the gripping device most be formed integrally with the clothing article and thus require an excessive amount of material in order to be able to reach items or objects distant from the wearer.

The present invention aims to address the above identified disadvantages. The disclosure provides for a gripping device coupled to an article of clothing such that the gripping device can be extended from the article of clothing while being used by the wearer or user. When the gripping device is no longer required for use, it can be retracted to a non-use position.

SUMMARY

Disclosed is a gripping device operatively coupled to an article of clothing.

The gripping device can be coupled to the article of clothing by an extension leash operatively coupled between the gripping device and the article of clothing. In some implementations, the extension leash is in sliding engagement with the article of clothing and configured to allow the gripping device to be extended and retracted from the article of clothing. The disclosed apparatus can be configured to transition the gripping device from a non-use, stored, or stowed position to an extended position capable of being used by a wearer or user to increase the gripping effectiveness, strength or protection of the user.

In some implementations, the gripping device is configured to allow a user to insert a hand into a cavity of the gripping device to extend the gripping device away from the article of clothing and increase the gripping effectiveness of the user when handling various objects. For example, objects to be handled can include, but are not limited to, jars, containers, bakeware, cookware, tools, utensils, or any other object a user may desire to handle with increase gripping effectiveness.

In some implementations, an article of clothing can be, but is not limited to, a shirt, dress, pants, vest, jacket, apron, smock, protective garment, garment, or any other clothing article adapted to be worn by a user or wearer.

In some implementations, the gripping device may be part of a retrofit gripping assembly capable of being mounted to an article of clothing. The retrofit gripping assembly includes a mounting base configured to mount or attach the retrofit assembly to an article of clothing. In such implementations, the mounting base can include at least one of various types of features capable of securing the retrofit gripping assembly to an article of clothing. For example, the securing features can include, but is not limited to, an adhesive patch or patches, a border along the perimeter of the mounting base, hook and loop fasteners, fasteners, snap fittings, rivets, stitches, sewing, glue, heat activated adhesives, pressure activated adhesives, mechanical fasteners, buttons, zippers, Velcro, ties, laces, or any other type of material of object capable of fixedly or removably securing the retrofit gripping assembly to an article of clothing.

In some implementations, the gripping device or retrofit gripping assembly is configured to permit a user to extend the gripping device by moving the gripping device away from the article of clothing or mounting base, and subsequently causing the extension leash to slidingly move through and relative to the article of clothing or mounting base. A user can retract the gripping device to a non-use position by causing the extension leash to move or slide relative to the article of clothing or the mounting base in a direction opposite the direction the extension leash moves when extending the gripping device away from the article of clothing or mounting base.

Various aspects of the invention are set forth in the summary, description and claims of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a gripping device operatively coupled to an article of clothing according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates a gripping device operatively coupled to an article of clothing according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of gripping device according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates a rear view showing a gripping surface of a gripping device according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a retrofit gripping device according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates a retrofit gripping device according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded view of a gripping device according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 8 illustrates a retrofit gripping device according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 9 illustrates a retrofit gripping device according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exploded view of a retrofit gripping device according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 11 illustrates layers of a retrofit gripping device according to an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

FIG. 1 illustrates an example implementation of a gripping device 50 operatively coupled to an article of clothing 10. In an example implementation, article of clothing 10 is an apron. In other implementations, article of clothing 10 can be, but is not limited to, an apron, shirt, dress, garment, jacket, vest, protective garment, or any other article of clothing wearable by a wearer or user.

In an example implementation shown in FIG. 1, gripping device 50 is operatively coupled to article of clothing 10 by an extension leash 20. Extension leash 20 can be constructed of a material capable of sliding engagement with interfaces 30 fixedly coupled to article of clothing 10. For example, extension leash 20 can be, but is not limited to, a string, rope, formed material, sewn material, rubber, wire, elastomeric string, elastomeric fabric or any other material capable of providing sliding motion of extension leash 20 relative to article of clothing 10.

In some implementations, extension leash 20 is slidingly coupled to article of clothing 10 through at least one interface 30. Interface 30 can be configured to allow extension leash 20 to slidingly pass through article of clothing 10 (e.g. from a front side to a rear side and/or vice versa). In some implementations, article of clothing 10 includes at least two interfaces 30 and 31 allowing extension leash 20 to pass through article of clothing 10 from a front side of clothing article 10 to a rear side of clothing article 10. In implementations where article of clothing 10 includes at least two interfaces 30 and 31 respectively, extension leash 20 additionally passes through article of clothing 10 from a rear side to a front side as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

Extension leash 20 can be fixedly coupled to gripping device 50 at one end and include a retaining feature 25 at an opposite end. In some implementations extension leash 20 can be coupled to gripping device 50, but not limited to, using stitching, sewing, gluing, bonding, riveting, or any other technique to securely couple extension leash 20 to gripping device 50. In other implementations, extension leash 20 can be removably coupled to gripping device 50 to allow for exchanging of different gripping devices 50. In such implementations, removably coupling gripping device 50 to extension leash 20 can be accomplished by, but not limited to, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, snap fittings, or any other technique to removably secure gripping device 50 to extension leash 20.

As shown in the example implementation of FIG. 1, extension leash 20 includes a retaining feature 25 at an end opposite an end coupling extension leash 20 to gripping device 50. In some implementations, retaining feature 25 can be, but not limited to, a knot, clasp, bearing, ring, ball, snap, fastener or any other feature capable of preventing retaining feature 25 and therefore the respective end of extension leash 20 from passing from the front side of article of clothing 10 to the rear side of article of clothing 10.

In the example illustration of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, retaining feature 25 is configured for selective engagement with a securing feature of gripping device 50.

In the example illustration of FIG. 3, gripping device 50 includes a first layer 51 coupled to a second layer 52. First layer 51 is coupled to second layer 52 along substantial portions of three edges, resulting in a cavity formed there between. The remaining edge of the coupled first 51 and second 52 layers allows a wearer or user to insert a hand into the cavity formed between first layer 51 and second layer 52.

In some implementations, first layer 51 can further include an elastomeric edge 59 capable of allowing the interface between layers 51 and 52 to be displaced when a user inserts a hand into the cavity of gripping device 50. In yet further implementations the uncoupled edge of gripping device 50 is configured with first layer 51 being slightly shorter in length than second layer 52 to permit easier access from a user to insert a hand into the cavity of gripping device 50.

In the example illustration of FIG. 7, first layer 51 is coupled to second layer 52 along three edges of the perimeter of gripping device 50. In such an implementation, first layer 51 is coupled to second layer 52 along substantially the entire width of edge 81. First layer 51 is further coupled to second layer 52 along longitudinal edges 82 and 83 respectively. In some implementations, first layer 51 is coupled to second layer 52 in an intermittent manner along longitudinal edges 82 and 83, respectively. Such a configuration permits a user to extend at least a portion of a hand inserted into the cavity of gripping device 50 outside the perimeter of gripping device 50.

In the example illustration of FIGS. 3 and 4, the outer surface (e.g. on a side of layer 52 opposite the cavity of gripping device 50) of gripping device 50, formed by second layer 52, further includes a gripping surface 60. In some implementations gripping surface 60 includes, but is not limited to, a high friction material, insulating material, polymer material, cellulous material, frictional features formed on second layer 52, or any other surface feature capable of enhancing the gripping action (or effectiveness) of a user. In an example implementation, gripping surface 60 is a high friction material fixedly coupled to second layer 52. For example, gripping surface 60 can be a high friction rubber or rubber like material fixedly attached to second layer 52. In implementations where gripping surface 60 is attached to gripping device 50, attachment techniques or methods can include, but are not limited to, sewing, stitching, adhesion, gluing, bonding, welding, or any other manner to fixedly secure gripping surface 60 to second layer 52.

The operation of the disclosure apparatus will now be described.

In an example implementation, and starting from a configuration in which gripping device 50 is in a secured position relative to article of clothing 10, extension leash 20 is positioned so that the end coupling extension leash 20 to gripping device 50 is in close proximity or in abutment with upper interface 30. Extension leash 20 extends from gripping device 50, located against or near the front side of article of clothing 10, passing through upper interface 30 and continuing outward from the rear side of article of clothing 10.

Continuing from the rear side of article of clothing 10 and in the vicinity of upper interface 30, extension leash 20 extends generally downward to lower interface 31, and passing there through, from the rear side to the front side of article of clothing 10.

Continuing from the front side of article of clothing 10 in the vicinity of lower interface 31, extension leash 20 extends around the front side of gripping device 50 and upward towards a gripping device retainer 27. Retaining feature 25 of extension leash 20 is capable of being removably coupled to gripping device 50 at retainer 27. In some implementations, retaining feature 25 can be capable of removable coupling with retainer 27 so that extension leash 20 generally overlays gripping device 50. In yet further implementations, the coupling of retaining feature 25 and retainer 27 can be configured such that extension leash 20 is displaced (e.g. at a location on article of clothing 10 distant from gripping device 50) allowing the retraction of the end of extension leash 20 opposite retaining feature 25 is located in close proximity to upper interface 30.

In this position, gripping device 50 is located in a secured position (e.g. non-use position) relative to article of clothing 10. When a user desires to use gripping device 50, the user removes retaining feature 25 from retainer 27 to allow extension leash 20 to be capable of sliding movement relative to article of clothing 10. Next a user inserts a hand into the cavity formed in gripping device 50 between first layer 51 and second layer 52. Once the user has a hand within the cavity of gripping device 50, they are capable of extending gripping device 50 away from article of clothing 10. In other implementations, a user can extend gripping device 50 away from article of clothing 10 by pulling gripping device 50 at any part thereof.

As the user extends gripping device 50 away from article of clothing 10, force is exerted upon extension leash 20 as a result of the coupling of these components at one end of extension leash 20 opposite retaining feature 25. Movement of gripping device 50 away from article of clothing 10 causes extension leash 20 to slidingly move through upper interface 30 and lower interface 31 in relative synchronization. It is contemplated that a similar movement as described herein can be accomplish with only a single interface 30 of a plurality of interfaces 30 without limiting the scope of the present disclosure. The user can extend gripping device 50 as far as required or until extension leash 20 has passed through article of clothing 10, via interfaces 30 and 31 respectively, and retaining feature 25 comes into close proximity or abutment with lower interface 31. The abutment of retaining feature 25 with lower interface 31 restricts further extension of gripping device 50 away from article of clothing 50.

When gripping device 50 is in any extended position relative to article of clothing 10, a user can use gripping device 50 to engage objects for manipulation. In implementations where gripping device 50 and gripping surface 60 are configured for high frictional assistance, a user may be capable of manipulating objects (e.g food containers, jars, or the like) with greater ease than without using gripping device 50. In other implementations where gripping surface 60 is configured for insulation, a user may be capable of engaging high temperature items (e.g. bakeware in the oven, pots or pans used when cooking or other items).

When a user desires to relocate gripping device 50 from an extended position to the secured position, the user engages retaining feature 25 and pulls extension leash 20 outward or away from article of clothing 10. As extension leash 20 is pulled from the end having retaining feature 25, extension leash 20 slidingly moves relative to article of clothing 10. By pulling the retaining feature of extension leash 20 away from article of clothing 10, gripping device 50 is retracted from its extended position to a secured position (e.g. a non-use position) in relative abutment with article of clothing 10. Once gripping device 50 is returned to the secured position, the user can couple retaining feature 25 to retainer 27 of gripping device 50. This coupling secures both gripping device 50 and extension leash 20 in a secure, non-use, or stored position.

In some implementations retainer 27 can be located on the front surface of article of clothing 10 and similarly accomplish storing or securing gripping device 50 as described herein.

In some implementations, a retrofit gripping device 100 is configure to be combined with an existing article of clothing 10, as shown in FIG. 6. In such implementations, retro fit gripping device 100 includes a mounting base 110 for fixedly mounting retrofit gripping device 100 to an article of clothing 10. Mounting base 110 can be configured to fixedly engage article of clothing 10 via at least one securing feature 115. In some implementations, securing feature 115 of retrofit gripping device 100 can include, but not limited to, a boarder located along edges of mounting base 110, a plurality of securing features located along specified places of mounting base 110, or any other pattern capable of securing mounting base 110 to article of clothing 10. For example, securing feature 115 can be, but not limited to, a heat activated adhesive, pressure activated adhesive, chemical adhesive, or any other mechanism for adhering retrofit gripping device 100 to article of clothing 10. In yet further implementations, retrofit gripping device 100 can be provided as a kit and physically attached to an article of clothing by mechanical technique (e.g. sewing, stitching, hook and loop, zippers, buttons, or any other fastening technique to mount retrofit gripping device 100 to article of clothing 10).

FIG. 6 illustrates an example implementation of a retrofit gripping device 100 capable of being mounted on an article of clothing 10. In an example implementation, article of clothing 10 is an apron. In other implementations, article of clothing 10 can be, but not limited to, an apron, shirt, dress, garment, protective garment, or any other article of clothing wearable by a wearer or user.

In an example implementation shown in FIG. 8, retrofit gripping device 150 is operatively coupled to article of clothing 10 by fixedly coupling mounting base 110 to article of clothing 10. An extension leash 120 can be constructed of a material capable of sliding engagement with interfaces 30 fixedly coupled to mounting base 110. For example, extension leash 120 can be, but not limited to, a string, rope, formed material, sewn material, rubber, wire, elastomeric string, elastomeric fabric or any other material capable of providing sliding motion of extension leash 120 relative to mounting base 110.

In some implementations, extension leash 120 is slidingly coupled to mounting base 110 through at least one interface 130. Interface 130 can be configured to allow extension leash 120 to slidingly pass through mounting base 110 (e.g. from a front side to a rear side and/or vice versa). In some implementations, mounting base 110 includes at least two interfaces 130 and 131 allowing extension leash 120 to pass through mounting base 110 from a front side of clothing article 10 to a rear side. In implementations where mounting base 110 includes at least two interfaces 130 and 131 respectively, extension leash 120 additionally passes through mounting base 110 from a rear side to a front side as shown in FIG. 8.

Extension leash 120 can be fixedly coupled to retrofit gripping device 150 at one end and include a retaining feature 125 at an opposite end. In some implementations extension leash 120 can be coupled to retrofit gripping device 150, but not limited to, using stitching, sewing, gluing, bonding, riveting, or any other technique to securely couple extension leash 120 to retrofit gripping device 50. In other implementations, extension leash 120 can be removably coupled to retrofit gripping device 150 to allow for exchanging of different retrofit gripping devices 150. In such implementations, removably coupling retrofit gripping device 150 to extension leash 120 can be accomplished by, but not limited to, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, snap fittings, or any other technique to removably secure retrofit gripping device 150 to extension leash 120.

As shown in the example implementation of FIG. 8, extension leash 120 includes a retaining feature 125 at an end opposite an end coupling extension leash 120 to retrofit gripping device 150. In some implementations, retaining feature 125 can be, but not limited to, a knot, clasp, bearing, ring, ball, snap, it fastener or any other feature capable of preventing retaining feature 125 and therefore the respective end of extension leash 120 from passing from the front side of mounting base 110 to the rear side of mounting base 110.

In the example illustration of FIGS. 8 and 9, retaining feature 125 is configured for selective engagement with a securing feature of retrofit gripping device 150.

In the example illustration of FIG. 10, retrofit gripping device 50 includes a first layer 151 coupled to a second layer 152. First layer 151 is coupled to second layer 152 along substantial portions of three edges, resulting in a cavity formed there between. The remaining edge of the coupled first 151 and second 152 layers allows a wearer or user to insert a hand into the cavity formed between first layer 151 and second layer 152.

In some implementations, first layer 151 can further include an elastomeric edge 159 capable of allowing the interface between layers 151 and 152 to be displaced when a user inserts a hand into the cavity of retrofit gripping device 150. In yet further implementations the uncoupled edge of retrofit gripping device 150 is configured with first layer 151 being slightly shorter in length than second layer 152 to permit easier access from a user to insert a hand into the cavity of retrofit gripping device 150.

In the example illustration of FIG. 10, first layer 151 in coupled to second layer 152 along three edges of the perimeter of retrofit gripping device 150. In such an implementation, first layer 151 is coupled to second layer 152 along substantially the entire width of edge 181. First layer 151 is further coupled to second layer 152 along longitudinal edges 182 and 183 respectively. In some implementations, first layer 151 is coupled to second layer 152 in an intermittent manner along longitudinal edges 182 and 183, respectively. Such a configuration permits a user to extend at least a portion of a hand inserted into the cavity of retrofit gripping device 150 outside the perimeter of gripping device 150.

In the example illustration of FIG. 11, the outer surface (e.g. on a side of layer 152 opposite the cavity of retrofit gripping device 150) of retrofit gripping device 150, formed by second layer 152, further includes a gripping surface 160. In some implementations, gripping surface 160 includes, but is not limited to, a high friction material, insulating material, polymer material, cellulous material, frictional features formed on second layer 152, or any other surface feature capable of enhancing the gripping action of a user. In an example implementation, gripping surface 160 is a high friction material fixedly coupled to second layer 152. For example, gripping surface 160 can be a high friction rubber or rubber like material fixedly attached to second layer 152. In implementations where gripping surface 160 is attached to retrofit gripping device 150, attachment techniques or methods can include, but are not limited to, sewing, stitching, adhesion, gluing, bonding, welding, or any other manner to fixedly secure gripping surface 160 to second layer 152.

The operation of the disclosure apparatus will now be described.

In an example implementation, and starting from a configuration in which retrofit gripping device 150 is in a secured position relative to mounting base 110, extension leash 120 is positioned so that the end coupling extension leash 120 to retrofit gripping device 150 is in close proximity or in abutment with upper interface 130. Extension leash 120 extends from retrofit gripping device 150, located against or near the front side of mounting base 110, passing through upper interface 130 and continuing outward from the rear side of mounting base 110.

Continuing from the rear side of mounting base 110 and in the vicinity of upper interface 130, extension leash 120 extends generally downward to lower interface 131, and passing there through, from the rear side to the front side of mounting base 110.

Continuing from the front side of mounting base 110 in the vicinity of lower interface 131, extension leash 120 extends around the front side of retrofit gripping device 150 and upward towards a retrofit gripping device retainer 127. Retaining feature 125 of extension leash 120 is capable of being removably coupled to retrofit gripping device 150 at retainer 127. In some implementations, retaining feature 125 can be capable of removable coupling with retainer 127 so that extension leash 120 generally overlays retrofit gripping device 150. In yet further implementations, the coupling of retaining feature 125 and retainer 127 can be configured such that extension leash 120 is displaced (e.g. at a location on mounting base 110 distant from retrofit gripping device 150) allowing the retraction of the end of extension leash 120 opposite retaining feature 125 is located in close proximity to upper interface 130

In this position, retrofit gripping device 150 is located in a secured position (e.g. non-use position) relative to mounting base 110. When a user desires to use retrofit gripping device 150, the user removes retaining feature 125 from retainer 127 to allow extension leash 120 to be capable of sliding movement relative to mounting base 110. Next a user inserts a hand into the cavity formed in retrofit gripping device 150 between first layer 151 and second layer 152. Once the user has a hand within the cavity of retrofit gripping device 150, they are capable of extending retrofit gripping device 150 away from mounting base 110. In other implementations, a user can extend retrofit gripping device 150 away from mounting base 110 by pulling retrofit gripping device 150 at any part thereof.

As the user extends retrofit gripping device 150 away from mounting base 110, force is exerted upon extension leash 120 as a result of the coupling of these components at one end of extension leash 120 opposite retaining feature 125. Movement of retrofit gripping device 150 away from mounting base 110 causes extension leash 120 to slidingly move through upper interface 130 and lower interface 131 in relative synchronization. It is contemplated that a similar movement as described herein can be accomplish with only a single interface 130 or a plurality of interfaces 130 without limiting the scope of the present disclosure. The user can extend retrofit gripping device 150 as far as required or until extension leash 120 has passed through mounting base 110, via interfaces 130 and 131 respectively, and retaining feature 125 comes into close proximity or abutment with lower interface 131. The abutment of retaining feature 125 with lower interface 131 restricts further extension of retrofit gripping device 150 away from mounting base 110.

When retrofit gripping device 150 is in any extended position relative to mounting base 110, a user can use retrofit gripping device 150 to engage objects for manipulation. In implementations where retrofit gripping device 150 and gripping surface 160 are configured for high frictional assistance, a user may be a capable of manipulating objects (e.g food containers, jars, or the like) with greater ease than without using retrofit gripping device 150. In other implementations where gripping surface 160 is configured for insulation, a user may be capable of engaging high temperature items (e.g. bakeware in the oven, pots or pans used when cooking or other items).

When a user desires to relocate retrofit gripping device 150 from an extended position to the secured position, the user engages retaining feature 125 and pulls extension leash 120 outward or away from mounting base 110. As extension leash 120 is pulled from the end having retaining feature 125, extension leash 120 slidingly moves relative to mounting base 110. By pulling the retaining feature of extension leash 120 away from mounting base 110, retrofit gripping device 150 is retracted from its extended position to a secured position (e.g. a non-use position) in relative abutment with mounting base 110. Once retrofit gripping device 150 is returned to the secured position, the user can couple retaining feature 125 to retainer 127 of retrofit gripping device 150. This coupling secures both retrofit gripping device 150 and extension leash 120 in a secure, non-use, or stored position.

In some implementations retainer 127 can be located on the front surface of article of clothing 10 and similarly accomplish storing or securing gripping device 50 as described herein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An clothing article comprising: a clothing structure; a gripping device operatively secured to the clothing structure, wherein the gripping device is configured to increase gripping effectiveness of the user.
 2. The protective clothing article according to claim 1 wherein the gripping device further includes a gripping surface capable of being selectively engaged with an object to be handled by a user.
 3. The clothing article according to claim 2 wherein the gripping surface is configured to increase the sliding resistance between the gripping device and the object.
 4. The clothing article according to claim 3, wherein the gripping device further includes a cavity formed between a first layer and second layer.
 5. The clothing article according to claim 4, wherein the cavity between the first and second layers forms a pocket like structure.
 6. The clothing article according to claim 3 wherein the pocket like structure includes a first layer and a second layer, wherein the first layer and second layer are coupled together to form a cavity for insert a hand of a user.
 7. The clothing article according to claim 6 wherein the first layer and second later are coupled to each other along at least three edges.
 8. The clothing article according to claim 6 wherein the first layer and second layer are intermittently coupled along each of the edges extending from the open edge associated with the open to the cavity formed there between to a distal edge generally opposite the cavity opening.
 9. The clothing article according to claim 6 wherein the intermittently coupling of the first layer and second layer are configure to permit at least a portion of a users hand to extend outside the gripping device perimeter.
 10. The clothing article according to claim 4 wherein the outer surface of the second layer further includes a gripping surface.
 11. The clothing article according to claim 4 wherein the outer surface of the second layer is coupled to a high friction component.
 12. The clothing article according to claim 2 wherein the object is at least one of a jar, can, bottle, storage container, cooking utensil, bakeware or cookware.
 13. The protective clothing article according to claim 1, comprising an adjustment mechanism configured to permit the gripping device to be extended and retracted from the clothing article structure.
 14. The clothing article according to claim 13 wherein the adjustment mechanism further includes an extension leash coupled between the clothing structure and the gripping device.
 15. The clothing article according to claim 14 wherein the extension leash is fixedly coupled to the gripping device and moveably coupled to the clothing structure.
 16. The clothing article according to claim 14 wherein the extension leash is removably coupled to the gripping device and movably coupled to the clothing structure.
 17. The clothing article according to claim 15 wherein the extension leash is slidingly coupled to the clothing structure.
 18. The clothing article according to claim 16 wherein the extension leash is coupled to the clothing structure in at least 1 location.
 19. The clothing article according to claim 14 wherein the extension least is fixedly coupled to the gripping device at a first end, slidingly coupled to the clothing structure and removably coupled to the gripping device at a second end.
 20. The protective clothing article according to claim 18 wherein the extension leash is coupled to the clothing structure by passing though the clothing structure in at least 1 location. 